One of the most popular lakeside getaways, the Buck Pond campground is encircled by Lake Kushaqua across its northern and western limits. The campground in the Adirondacks has over a hundred campsites and magnificent mountain vistas.
The 130-acre pond and Kushaqua Lake are also easily accessible to visitors. Before going there, let’s go over all you need to know about the campground.
Geology and History
In New York’s Onchiota county, close to County Route 60 (1339), is where you’ll find Buck Pond. The Buck Pond spreads across 130 acres of land, and you will find the campground on the western shore of the large pond.
The campground’s development got underway in the mid of 1965, and it began operating at the end of the 1960s. The primary campground road was built on the former Chateaugay roadbed of the Hudson and Delaware Railroad.
What to Do At the Buck Pond Campground
The Buck Pond Campground has tents and RV sites, and you can reserve one ahead of time to ensure you receive a spot. There are no electric sites at the campground, which may be an issue for some visitors. However, it allows you to disconnect from social media and life for a while and live in nature, away from the world’s stresses.
If you want your camp to overlook the lake, you can book one of the campground’s 21 lake site sides. The campsite has everything you might need during your visit, including picnic tables, portable water, showers, and toilets.
The greatest thing about camping at Buck Pond Campground is that you can go on adventures with your pets. However, if you bring your dog, do remember to bring along recent rabies vaccination documentation.
For the safety of the canines and other campers, you must keep your dog on a 6-foot leash. The campground also instructs owners to keep the dogs contained at all times while on the campground.
The campsite offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to keep them occupied and make their vacations memorable. Cycling, Row boating, canoeing, and kayaking are thrilling activities you may partake in while you’re there.
A short distance from the campsite, you can also operate a motorboat on Lake Kushaqua. Non-motorized boats or boats with electric engines are permitted on the Buck Pond property.
Buck pond is a popular spot for fishing, and some of the fish species you may catch are yellow perch, brown bullhead, and northern pike. You will also find these species while fishing in Lake Kushaqua. If you plan on catching rainbow trout and black bass, try your luck on Lake Kushaqua.
The Saranac River’s Northern side, right beneath Mud Pond, offers visitors a chance to fish for brook trout.
Important Note: You will not be able to secure a fishing license at the campground, so it is best to acquire the permit before heading on your trip by calling or buying it online.
During your stay, you may also test your hiking skills and experience walking among nature by visiting the well-known hiking trail beside the former D&H train track. However, always exercise caution while hiking and never divert from the trail as you may risk getting lost.
Attractions near Buck Pond Campground
Here are a few attractions you must visit while staying at the Buck Pond Campground to make the most of your trip.
Six Nations Indian Museum
The Six Nations Indian Museum has four rooms loaded with fascinating Native American items ranging from feathered headdresses to paintings of stories and Tomahawks.
The family-run museum is a hidden jewel in the Adirondack Mountains, and you’ll find yourself getting lost in the historical stories you read and hear within. The location is ideal for families and may be an excellent approach to educating kids about history.
Lake Placid
Another must-see destination tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains in Lake Placid. The area is the ideal destination for a day of enjoyment. You won’t even notice how the whole day passes as you experience some of the most incredible hiking trails in the area and explore a charming town filled with intriguing stores and eateries.
Adirondack Interpretive Center
Five kilometers of informative nature paths and a range of educational activities are available at the Newcomb Adirondack Interpretive Center. You will get the opportunity to view a landscape dotted with flowers and exquisite blooming bushes when you visit the center.
The route also provides opportunities to see rare bird species such as the Canada Goose, Blue-headed Vireo, and Brown Creeper. You can choose four educational trails, all located within the 236-acre site.
Town of Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is about 22 kilometers from the Buck Pond Campground. The town has an abundance of tourist attractions such as The Adirondack Carousel, which your children will enjoy, and you will get to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes with mountain backdrops while driving there.
You can spend the day exploring the small town’s shops and restaurants, sampling their specialties.
How to get to Buck Pond Campground?
Even though you can use Google Maps to get accurate directions to the Buck Pond Campground, here is an explanation of the direction to the campground if you are coming from I-87 Adirondack Northway:
Begin driving at the Northbound Exit 30, and make your way up Route 73, which you will find on the northern side of Lake Placid. Once you reach Route 86, drive along the villages surrounding lake Placid until you reach Gabriel’s. From the Gabriel’s, you can drive up the Franklin County Route 60 and get to Buck Pond campgrounds after a 6-mile drive.
Wrapping Up
Buck Pond Campground is perfect for a much-needed weekend break with the family. The abundance of recreational activities on the campsite makes it an ideal location since you can spend your days there and not go anywhere else.
To get the most out of your stay, don’t forget to visit the Six Nations Indian Museum, Adirondack Interpretive Center, the Town of Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid, to experience adventure, history, and breathtaking vistas.